Advertising as a medium is constructed in a way that markets itself to a specific group of American society, and as consumers, they naturally will have a greater desire to buy something if they are persuaded enough to. Thus, in its sheer nature, the advertisement industry... "stretches the truth"... to show the consumers what they want to see, because they are ultimately the ones who will give the companies greater profits; the advertisement industry is driven by dollar signs. "Dodge" was a photograph for a car advertisement, and in the picture, the car becomes more than just a product--it becomes a lifestyle.
The except from The Great Gatsby represents the persona that Gatsby carefully crafts for himself. He portrays himself in a certain way to everyone else in society--a rich, calm, collected, and suave man--whereas in reality, he is someone entirely different.
In these ways, "Dodge," and what it represents, reminds me of The Great Gatsby. Everything in the book seems to have an underlying current of money, must like the ulterior motive of advertisements. Furthermore, "Dodge" presents a rich and luxurious lifestyle, while at the same time, unrealistic (what is a car doing in a lobby?). Much like Gastby, the photograph is glamorous on the surface, and pretends to be something it is not.
"Dodge" by Nickolas Muray (1933).
The Great Gatsby.
Advertising as a medium is constructed in a way that markets itself to a specific group of American society, and as consumers, they naturally will have a greater desire to buy something if they are persuaded enough to. Thus, in its sheer nature, the advertisement industry... "stretches the truth"... to show the consumers what they want to see, because they are ultimately the ones who will give the companies greater profits; the advertisement industry is driven by dollar signs. "Dodge" was a photograph for a car advertisement, and in the picture, the car becomes more than just a product--it becomes a lifestyle.
The except from The Great Gatsby represents the persona that Gatsby carefully crafts for himself. He portrays himself in a certain way to everyone else in society--a rich, calm, collected, and suave man--whereas in reality, he is someone entirely different.
In these ways, "Dodge," and what it represents, reminds me of The Great Gatsby. Everything in the book seems to have an underlying current of money, must like the ulterior motive of advertisements. Furthermore, "Dodge" presents a rich and luxurious lifestyle, while at the same time, unrealistic (what is a car doing in a lobby?). Much like Gastby, the photograph is glamorous on the surface, and pretends to be something it is not.
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